Aloha, from Fort Myers Beach

The Yucatan hosts its first Mid-Winter Luau next Sunday

January 16, 2009

Continuing its tradition of partying for whatever excuse they can think of while still dedicating it to a great cause, the Yucatan Beach Stand (250 Old San Carlos Blvd.) is holding its first Mid-Winter Luau Sunday, Jan. 25, all day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with proceeds of the event going to the Keep Lee County Beautiful organization, sponsored by J.J. Taylor, the Lighthouse Resort and Tiki Bar, Brenda B. Music and the Yucatan Beach Stand.

"The Polynesian theme fit really well with the decor of the building, and pretty much everyone was looking for a reason to wear a grass skirt and coconut bras," said Steve DeAngelis, manager of the tropical hot spot. "We're doing parties every so often to give everyone the island feel. With the exceptionally cold start to the winter up north, and for all of those coming down for a break, we wanted to get this place as tropical as we can get it, to really appreciate what we have down here."

Throughout the free luau, plenty of craft tables and vendors will offer an array of goodies to choose from, as well as a plethora of delish food, live entertainment and enough contests and giveaways to last all night if they wanted it to.

The contests

If you haven't yet jumped head-first into your closet or hit the nearest thrift shops, hurry up, because the ugliest Hawaiian shirt contest will take place at 4:30 p.m.

And start working out those hips. A marathon hula hoop contest will kick off at 3 p.m. the last one hula-hooping wins.

Fact Box

Mid-Winter Luao at the Yucatan

When: Sunday, Jan. 25, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost to enter: Free admission.

What: Plenty of vendors, delish food, contests, raffles, prizes. Food and beer available with special tickets.

More info: Call 333-4FUN (4386).

Steve is also sure to point out that there may be a best-dressed Hawaiian outfit contest, where the winner will receive something special.

"Everyone is encouraged to come in their best Hawaiian outfit. There may be a special prize for the best dressed," he hinted.

A limbo contest (4 p.m.) and some raffles and 50/50s will also take place during the Hawaiian party.

The food and drink

What's a luau without the food, right? And what's a luau without the roasted pig, right?

Well, this traditional party is certainly following the rules, because a pig will be roasted during the festival, cooking to perfection until it's good and ready. Other succulent specialties will include chicken pineapple skewers, plenty of shrimp and more.

"We'll have pulled pork sandwiches for $5 and a roasted pork platter for $8, which comes with two sides," Steve said. "And there'll be plenty of beer."

The Carib Caribbean Lager girls will be out and about during the festivities to offer samples of their liquid gold goodies.

"It's good stuff, man," Steve eagerly said.

Tickets are available to purchase any of this gourmet food and drink.

The entertainment

The Edison State College band will come out to perform some Hawaiian music during the perfectly-themed day, and Steve said they're also going to try to help the group out, as far as donating to their music department.

Jan Miller will DJ and perform during the limbo contest (at 4 p.m.), and a special appearance by well-known rocker Stet Howland will be welcomed, too (rockin' the drums, of course).

Sundance Dave and the Left of Center Band will perform that afternoon and the tropical mahem will continue inside that evening, with the RV Parks Variety Show going on from 6 to 10 p.m.

"We like to promote and help environmental causes on our island and in Lee County in general," Steve said. "All of our parties are geared toward non-profits and the issues that affect our island and community as a whole. We look for a really great reason to party. Any reason for our staff to dress up in a goofy outfit is what we're going for it's just another reason to have fun."